Private Service Will Allow New Yorkers to Open Their Homes to Those Displaced by Sandy
New York, NY – November 8, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Airbnb today announced the launch of a new platform to help connect victims of Hurricane Sandy with free housing options. Airbnb is now providing a platform to connect those who are eager to offer free housing to those who have been displaced by the storm. The entire process will be free, but Airbnb will still provide customer service, insurance for hosts and other services. New Yorkers can now list their homes and extra space easily and immediately, and people who are looking for a place to stay can access these free spaces via Airbnb’s Donated Sandy Housing Directory at https://www.airbnb.com/sandy. The Mayor made the announcement at City Hall.
“Since Sandy hit, we’ve seen numerous examples of the private sector using technology to find new ways to help people,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “This new offering from Airbnb is another great way to match New Yorkers in need with those who have something to give.”
“We have been incredibly moved by the outpouring of sympathy and offers of assistance from our Airbnb community of users, and our teams have been working around the clock to pitch in and create an amazing new platform to connect those in need with those who are desperate to help,” said Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky. “We are proud to partner with Mayor Bloomberg to provide an innovative solution to a devastating problem and we will continue to look at ways to do even more.”
Airbnb has already seen nearly 2,500 last-minute bookings for affected areas and more than 4,000 guests given shelter. Hundreds of these bookings came from people who live in areas areas affected by Sandy who needed a place to stay nearby. Founded in August of 2008, Airbnb is an online marketplace for people to list and book accommodations around the world through their innovative online platform. For guests and hosts they provide safety precautions, insurance coverage for damages, and 24-hour customer service.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Marc La Vorgna/Julie Wood (212) 788-2958
Kim Rubey (Airbnb) (202) 528-4653
